The Tax Collector who became A Fisher of Men.

Homily for July 7, 2017


The call of Matthew the tax collector is a pointer to the fact that God does not judge people based on appearance or what they do but the heart.

To everyone else, Matthew seemed like the worst sinner in town, they even questioned Jesus’ rationale for sitting at table with Matthew and his fellow tax collectors. But there was something Jesus saw in Matthew that was not all that visible to those who judged him.

Yes, he was a tax collector at the time of his call but he never remained a tax collector. Instead, being that he was educated, he used his education fully in the service of the mission.

In the end, this same Matthew became one of the greatest Evangelists of all time. As the author of one of the Gospels, Matthew still contributes to the spread of the Christian Faith today.

God can use anybody. As St. Paul teaches us: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Am I the kind of righteous person Jesus is referring to when he said he did not come to call the righteous but sinners? Am I full of myself? Do I judge and condemn others because I feel I am better than them spiritually? Do I see myself as complete while all others are lacking?

Like the servant who Abraham trusted with the task of finding the right kind of woman for Isaac his son, Matthew played his part in obedience and service to God Almighty. To be fishers of men, we must be willing to obey God’s voice without questioning.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, make me a shining light to spread the Kingdom of God everywhere. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Genesis 22:1-4.19;24:1-8,62-67 and Matthew 9:9-13).*


Fr. Abu.

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